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WILTSHIRE SENIOR CUP: Carter fires Cricklade into semis

CRICKLADE came from behind to defeat hosts Shrewton and reach the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history.

Graham Jackson’s side trailed 2-1 at the interval but eventually won through 3-2 after extra-time, the winning goal coming courtesy of Ben Carter, his 200th for the club.

The visitors took the lead against the Western League strugglers just before the half hour, when Carter headed over the static defence and Jack Allan lobbed the keeper from just inside the box.

However, lax play from the Stones Lane side at the back allowed Shrewton to go in 2-1 up at the break.

First stopper Devon Brown dropped a cross and the ball was tapped in, and then a Shrewton player was left unmarked from a free kick and he duly headed home.

After the resumption, Cricklade applied plenty of pressure but it was not until the 90th minute that they forced an equaliser.

Alex Povey raced to the by-line and his cross was headed home by Carter from close range, taking the match to extra-time.

Carter secured Cricklade’s passage to the semis when he collected Brown’s long kick, spun away from his marker and fired in at the near post from the left-hand side of the box.

Boss Jackson said: “A great result for the club, one that was deserved on the second half performance.

“It was a real squad effort as we had so many missing. The reserve players Dave Jonson, Kane Wheatley and Dave Young all contributed, along with debutant Rob Marder.

“We were poor in the first half and were second to the ball too many times, but credit to the lads, they worked hard in the second half and deserved their goal, although I wish they had not left it until the last minute.”

All three of the other quarter-final ties have yet to be played, but the draw will be made on Tuesday and Cricklade could face Melksham, Bradford, Westbury, Bemerton, Corsham or Downton in the last four.

And Jackson is bullish on his side’s chances of going all the way in the county competition.

“We know the semi will be a tougher game, but it will be a great day out for the lads.,” he said.

“Trowbridge won this cup a few years ago, so it’s one that the clubs at our level can win.”